Students from Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University faced off in the first ever "Great Debate."
Students tackled topics ranging from criminal justice to civil disobedience and ethics.
The event was held on neutral ground at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville.
NewsChannel 5's Vicki Yates was one of the moderators.
High school students from Pearl Cohn and McGavock also participated in a separate debate.
Organizers said the event helped students improve critical thinking and communication skills.
“I think it teaches the students to have a healthy way to conversate against difference of opinions,” said Tabitha Mundy, the coordinator of the event. “We may not agree about the topic; however, it gives a platform to discuss, which I think is important and critical right now.”
Organizers said they hope this will be the first of many similar events.
All the teams scored well in the debate, but the team from Vanderbilt slightly edged out TSU for the win.